Cancer survivor is face of national campaign

Deborah Punshon

A little girl who endured almost a year of chemotherapy for bone cancer is the smiling face of a new national fundraising campaign.

Grace Newton was just five when she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2014 after doctors discovered a tumour in her right arm.

But now, two years later, and after a 10-hour operation and 14 cycles of gruelling chemotherapy, she’s well enough to front a major fundraising drive for Cancer Research UK.

And not only is Grace, from Grangemouth, the Scottish face of Britain’s Biggest Breakfast, which encourages fundraisers to organise an early morning get together, she’s also back at school and looking a picture of health.

Mum Janet (30) said: “My outstanding, beautiful, amazing Grace completed her 14th and final cycle of chemotherapy 326 days after being diagnosed with cancer.

“Grace always had the biggest smile on her face and never complained through any of the treatments. We were very honest with Grace about cancer.

The picture of Grace that melted Falkirk Herald readers' hearts at Christmas 2014

“She knew she had to have chemotherapy and that it would make her hair fall out.

“But they say children often handle cancer better than adults. Chemotherapy and cancer are just words to children with no deeper meaning and Grace coped amazingly well.”

Since Grace’s diagnosis, her family have tirelessly fundraised for Cancer Research UK, including taking part in Falkirk’s Race for Life the past two summers.

During her cancer battle, Grace also met superstar Katy Perry and Santa in Lapland.

Janet added: “Grace still struggles with bone pain and tiredness but it will take the next year or so to get back to her fully functioning self but she’s well on her way.

“I couldn’t be prouder.”

Cancer Research UK wants people to host or attend a Britain’s Biggest Breakfast on Friday, March 11.